Deguello

ZZ Top returned after an extended layoff in late 1979 with Degüello, their best album since 1973's Tres Hombres. During their time off, ZZ Top didn't change much -- hell, their sound never really changed during their entire career -- but it did harden, in a way. The grooves became harder, sleeker, and their off-kilter sensibility/a>/i>/i>

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Overview

ZZ Top returned after an extended layoff in late 1979 with Degüello, their best album since 1973's Tres Hombres. During their time off, ZZ Top didn't change much -- hell, their sound never really changed during their entire career -- but it did harden, in a way. The grooves became harder, sleeker, and their off-kilter sensibility and humor began to dominate, as "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Fool for Your Stockings" illustrate. Ironically, this, their wildest album lyrically, doesn't have the unhinged rawness of their early blooze rockers, but the streamlined production makes it feel sleazier all the same, since its slickness lets the perversity slide forth. And, forget not, the trio is in fine shape here, knocking out a great set of rockers and sounding stylish all the time. Undoubtedly one of their strong suits.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

After taking 3 years off, ZZ top returned with this good album. This one marked a distinct departure from their previous "party" albums with a focus on crafting slick studio songs. Not that they have ceased to be anything but ZZ Top, they are making some good songs here and are about to enter the Eighties which would prove to be their most successful hit radio period, but there is a definite 'before and after' quality to their return. In this album they have not quite learned how to keep the emotions high while working in this new studio style, but they obviously learned a great deal from this experience. The hits "I'm bad, I'm Nationwide" and "Cheap Sunglasses" are here along with some above average filler.